First Week Orientating Detroit

These first few weeks of the Novitiate life have offered opportunities for us to orient ourselves to the city, to each other, and to other various Jesuit activities. Once our classes and volunteer work starts in a few weeks things will change a bit, but until then we are enjoying some fun nights exploring town. Here are some of the highlights:

First Stop! Tigers Baseball Game: After one of our morning sessions during the week we found out that the faculty at U of Detroit Jesuit High School and U of Detroit Mercy were not able to go the Tigers baseball game that evening and the tickets were gladly welcomed by our group. It was awesome to go downtown for the first time and checking out the sights. Here are some of the highlights:

The group entering Comerica Park, Tigers versus Indians.

Our view from the outfield bleachers. It was a perfect night for baseball at 75 degrees and sunny.

Joshua responding to the Announcer asking, "who wants a free haircut?" The announcer decided on someone a littttle more deserving, no offense Joshua.

My favorite shot of the night. The idea was to take a picture of Brian, Ryan and Matt in the back row. Then, Pete stood up and blocked my view with his imposing Indians jersey. I shifted to the right only to laugh when two random ladies leaned into the picture as well.

Joshua (with hat) and Gavin (to Joshua's right) enjoy the outfield view next to the Ty Cobb statue.

Walking under the lights.

We sensed a repeating tiger motif around every angle of the park. We decided to take our group shot under this guy.

This one's for Sully. He's a big fan of Billy Dee.

Upon hearing that we had Grenadine in the house and that Pete had never had a Shirley Temple, I promptly remedied the situation.

This past Saturday was a funeral service for an older Jesuit, John Baggardly. We attended the service wearing our clerics (or priest/seminary clothes) for the first time. Being our first public appearance, most of us were a little unsure how we'd feel in the clothes but there was safety in numbers.

The group showing off the clerics for the first time.

Representing well in the choir.

Even helping carry the casket of the late John Baggardly, SJ.

The surrounding area of the Jesuit Retirement home has a golf course called Shepherd's Hollow. It is picturesque and reminds you of being in northern Wisconsin. On such a beautiful day i could not pass up giving my first ever swing at golf.

These were the gentlemen who became my first instructors. I only lost five balls on nine holes...actually that's pretty bad. Did i mention it was a beautiful day? Yeah, let's focus on that.

Here rides Joshua and Jeff.

One of my classmates, James Sand has made a special effort to connect with members of the Jesuit Volunteers Corp. Many of my friends both in the past and currently have participated in this year long program with very similar charisms the Novitiate employs. if you're interested there is more information at: http://www.jesuitvolunteers.org/. We spent the night checking out a great Jazz Festival with Fireworks.

The riverfront looking across to Windsor, Canada. Full moon.

Here is our group of JVs, former JVs and a couple novices.

And the show begins!

These kids changed my perception of fireworks. I'm one of those, "What's the big deal? Aren't they the same over and over again?" Well let me tell you, these kids spent the whole half hour jumping, running, clapping, shouting, marveling, and echoing oohs and ahhs like i've ever heard before. They made us smile ear to ear.

Walking home Andrew and I stumbled upon this stellar motorcade. We posed briefly and then planned out the cross-country road trip we would go on in this dream machine.

We ended our Jazz and Firework evening in Detroit style; eating a coney (hotdog with sloppy joe toppings). Open 24 hours, Hannah posed with her free sucker because she so enthusiastically placed and retrieved her order. DE-Licious.

Well that's all for now. Happy Labor Day everyone. We'll be in touch.